16LEBRON JAMESSHOULD COME TOLOS ANGELES

LAKERSYOUNG CORE

Showtime’s back! Resurrected by the creator himself. Magic’s assembled a squad of young guns that have put the league on notice. Thanos (aka Dubs) beware, these Avengers are out for blood next season.

Coach Luke’s beach vibe and championship pedigree has this team rolling. Julius got his body right and beasted his way to 28 double-doubles. B.I. showed up his sophomore season and proved he’s a triple threat on the court. Lonzo, Kuzma and Josh Hart Barkley torched the competition while flashing a hint of that ‘80s Lakers swagger.

All they need is a king to lead them to the promised land.

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REASON02

THE RINGS

This team was built for the modern NBA; fast, skilled and versatile. With the right pieces, this team can spoil the Warrior’s three-peat. With strong leadership in play, a solid young core, rookie contracts and cap space for days, these Lakers are ready to plan that 17th championship parade.

A wise man once said, “It’s not about narrative. You want to win championships, you just gotta figure it out.” And you bet this teams going to figure it out. The logo got one, Pau got two, Shaq got three, Showtime got five--and so did Kobe. The bar is always set high for the Lakers, it’s destiny.

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REASON03

CALIFORNIALOVE

There’s a reason everyone wants to live here. Beach vibes and city nights, that’s what LA’s all about. We’ve got good eats and drinks. Never-ending summers. Urban playgrounds. But nothing beats the love. What more can I say? Welcome to LA.

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REASON04

MORE THANAN ATHLETE

Shut up and dribble? Never. Our diverse communities and leaders are the ones at the forefront of the resistance and the fight for social equity. And they’re always interested in new teammates. From driving culture through Uninterrupted or landing another Hollywood role, there’s a million ways to be more than an athlete here.

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REASON05

Everything he touches turns to gold. He is the greatest personality to ever step onto a basketball court, and a 5-time champion. He’s equally flashy in the boardroom as he was on the hardwood, but we hear his curveball could use some work. With Rob Pelinka retired from DIRECTV commercials, and now managing the Lake Show, excellence is on its way back.

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REASON06

ZO

In between bowls of cheddar cheese, and dropping Kylie Kuzma diss tracks, Lonzo’s been bringing Showtime back to the Lakers. Since Lavar spoke Lonzo into existence 20 years ago, this dude was #born2ball. His court vision is impeccable, his basketball IQ is through the roof, and he thrives off making every one of his teammates better.

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REASON07

A DOMINANTLEGACY

From the Land of 10,000 Lakes to La La Land, this team has a legendary past. Built by Mr. Clutch, passed on to Magic and Kareem’s Showtime and then picked up by Diesel and The Mamba - the long reign of Laker greats will only get longer.

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REASON08

TASTE OF L.A.

We hear Lakers eat free at Majordōmo, David Chang’s new spot a few minutes away from Staples (it’s just a rumor tho). With Jon and Vinny’s opening up in Brentwood this summer, and Bestia becoming a downtown staple - the LA food scene will fulfill any champion's appetite. Plus, we can pretty much guarantee that a Double-Double from In-N-Out will make anyone forget the Galley Boy.

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REASON09

KUZMANIA

After one short season, Kuzmania has officially taken over LA. Kobe’s protege made a splash last year and earned himself a spot on the All-Rookie first team. This Young Mamba (one half of the #lightskinconnection) is just getting started.

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REASON10

Season 15 proved some things just get better with age. As the home of some of the world’s best fine wines, we appreciate that. Come #EnjoyTheFruitsOfYourLabor in LA and maybe someday we'll be sipping glasses of King's Reserve Chardonnay (guaranteed to be better than D-Wade's cellar).

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REASON11

BRANDONINGRAM

Brandon Ingram made huge strides this year and showed the league why KD-lite is a superstar in the making. Opponents beware: taking on the Slenderman ain’t for the faint of heart. Emerging as a dual threat while increasing his scoring average, count on the kid becoming even more deadly in 2019.

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REASON12

#LEBRONWATCH

LA’s fashion scene is a melting pot, and we like it that way. It’s attitude is one of a kind and inspiration is everywhere you look. #LebronWatch will no doubt shape the future of LA fashion - from the court to the streets.

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REASON13

#JAMESGANG

LA is the perfect place to raise the family and hang with extended family ties. You can do it all here--from golfing with JT to chilling with Kendrick and getting us another early album release (thanks, Bron). Raise the #JamesGang while also raising another championship banner.

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REASON14

A fun little fact reddit user @tylerfracke uncovered: In 2018, Julius Randle made his much-anticipated film debut in the Marvel Studios blockbuster Black Panther. He was the stunt double for the rhinos. We believe it. We also believe that Julius is a force to be reckoned with in this league. Wakanda forever.

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REASON15

KING ME

Dreams do come true. Just ask Magic - part owner of the Dodgers and former owner of the Lakers. The path to ownership is real, just follow the yellow and purple brick road. You’ll never walk alone in LA.

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REASON16

SQUAD UP

(Insert all-star) I choose you! We’ve got enough cap space to bring in 2 stars, and help best the west. Squad up in LA, and drop right into a championship.

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SEASON16

You’ve read our reasons. Now share yours.

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The Welcome to Season 16 website is a nod to Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers, and LeBron James. All the information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. We are not responsible for the content of any individual tweets sent to anyone mentioned (or not mentioned) on this site.
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